Robert Neal Rodriguez
Florida Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Florida, United States
TIME PERIOD
1984-1992
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
The case of Robert Neal Rodriguez involves a series of tragic events linked to the disappearances and murders of young women in Florida during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Investigators connected Rodriguez to the 1984 disappearance of Valerie Hunt and the 1992 murders of Megan Carr and Cherish DeSantis, both of which remain unsolved. Following intense scrutiny from law enforcement, Rodriguez took his own life in May 1992, leaving behind letters and evidence that suggested his involvement in these crimes. The investigation into his activities continues to be a focal point for cold case units, as new forensic technologies may provide further insights into the evidence collected at the crime scenes.
Robert Neal Rodriguez is theorized to have been involved in multiple murders despite never being formally charged. Some believe that his background as a police officer may have aided him in evading detection for years. Additionally, the note he left confessing to the crimes has led to speculation regarding his mental state and possible motivations for the killings.
The Troubled Life and Crimes of Robert Neal Rodriguez
Early Life and Career
Born in 1950 in Portland, Oregon, Robert Neal Rodriguez was the son of a dedicated United States Air Force veteran. His childhood was a tapestry of relocations across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, shadowed by the demands of a military family. He eventually settled in Fort Walton Beach, where he completed high school. Seeking stability, Rodriguez pursued higher education, first at Okaloosa-Walton Junior College, then at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. It was here that he embraced the Mormon faith.
Rodriguez's commitment to his new faith led him to Guatemala, where he served as a Mormon missionary for two years. After returning, he earned a law enforcement degree from Brigham Young University. In March 1975, he joined the Portland Police Bureau, but his tenure was short-lived, resigning two years later. Rodriguez relocated to Tallahassee, Florida, where he lived with his mother. He continued his education at Florida State University while working as a sign-painter and janitor. Within the community, he was known for his involvement with the Unity Church, occasionally stepping up to deliver sermons.
The Murders
The dark turn in Rodriguez's life began in June 1984, when 22-year-old Valerie Hunt vanished from a bustling shopping center in Tallahassee. Her disappearance remained a mystery until three months later when her skeletal remains were discovered in a sinkhole in Wakulla County, Florida.
Eight years later, on March 27, 1992, the serene sands of Alligator Point beach in Florida became the site of another tragedy. Two 16-year-old girls from Thomasville, Georgia, Megan Carr and Cherish DeSantis, were found dead. They had been enjoying a day at the beach, still clad in their swimsuits, when they were shot twice in the head. An eerie calm surrounded their bodies; there were no signs of struggle, and their belongings remained undisturbed.
Investigation and Rodriguez's Suicide
The gruesome discovery at Alligator Point prompted the formation of the Alligator Point Homicide Task Force, which pursued over 100 potential leads. During this investigative frenzy, Rodriguez faced personal loss with the death of his mother. He subsequently vanished from his apartment on May 5, 1992, shortly after police questioned him about his car, which bore a stolen Utah license plate.
In a final act of desperation, Rodriguez penned two letters. One was addressed to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the other to the Arizona Daily Sun. He then embarked on a grim journey to an I-40 stop in New Mexico, where he ended his life by ingesting cyanide on May 15, 1992.
Authorities, following up on the stolen license plate, uncovered Rodriguez's lifeless body in his car. Alongside him was a glass vial containing a white powder and a note warning those who might find him. The car matched the description of a vehicle seen on the day of the girls' murder. In his confession letter, directed to FDLE agent Delbert McGarvey, Rodriguez revealed his twisted motives. He admitted to murdering the three victims, explaining that his failure to rape them drove him to kill, fearing capture.
Legacy in Media
The chilling tale of Robert Neal Rodriguez and his victims has been immortalized in popular media. The Investigation Discovery program "Swamp Murders" dedicated an episode to unraveling the sinister events surrounding the murders of Megan Carr and Cherish DeSantis.
See Also
- List of serial killers in the United States
Sources
- "Suspect in teen slayings dies in New Mexico." United Press International. May 17, 1992.
- "Paper Gets Confession Letter From Dead Ex-BYU Student." Deseret News. May 19, 1992. Archived from the original on June 20, 2016.
- "Ex-Officer Commits Suicide After Confessing to 3 Murders." The New York Times. May 21, 1992.
- James Wray. "Swamp Murders spotlights murder of sunbathing teens Megan Carr and Cherish DeSantis on Florida beach." Monsters & Critics. October 7, 2017. Archived August 5, 2021.
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First Victim Disappears
Valerie Hunt, a 22-year-old student, disappears from a shopping center in Tallahassee.
Valerie Hunt's Remains Found
The skeletonized remains of Valerie Hunt are discovered at a sinkhole in Wakulla County.
Murder of Two Teen Girls
Megan Carr and Cherish DeSantis are found shot dead at Alligator Point beach.
Rodriguez Disappears
Robert Neal Rodriguez disappears from his apartment after being interviewed by police.
Rodriguez Commits Suicide
Robert Neal Rodriguez takes his own life using cyanide in New Mexico.
Confession Found
Authorities discover Rodriguez's body and a confession letter in his car.
The case of Robert Neal Rodriguez involves a series of tragic events linked to the disappearances and murders of young women in Florida during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Investigators connected Rodriguez to the 1984 disappearance of Valerie Hunt and the 1992 murders of Megan Carr and Cherish DeSantis, both of which remain unsolved. Following intense scrutiny from law enforcement, Rodriguez took his own life in May 1992, leaving behind letters and evidence that suggested his involvement in these crimes. The investigation into his activities continues to be a focal point for cold case units, as new forensic technologies may provide further insights into the evidence collected at the crime scenes.
Robert Neal Rodriguez is theorized to have been involved in multiple murders despite never being formally charged. Some believe that his background as a police officer may have aided him in evading detection for years. Additionally, the note he left confessing to the crimes has led to speculation regarding his mental state and possible motivations for the killings.
The Troubled Life and Crimes of Robert Neal Rodriguez
Early Life and Career
Born in 1950 in Portland, Oregon, Robert Neal Rodriguez was the son of a dedicated United States Air Force veteran. His childhood was a tapestry of relocations across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, shadowed by the demands of a military family. He eventually settled in Fort Walton Beach, where he completed high school. Seeking stability, Rodriguez pursued higher education, first at Okaloosa-Walton Junior College, then at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. It was here that he embraced the Mormon faith.
Rodriguez's commitment to his new faith led him to Guatemala, where he served as a Mormon missionary for two years. After returning, he earned a law enforcement degree from Brigham Young University. In March 1975, he joined the Portland Police Bureau, but his tenure was short-lived, resigning two years later. Rodriguez relocated to Tallahassee, Florida, where he lived with his mother. He continued his education at Florida State University while working as a sign-painter and janitor. Within the community, he was known for his involvement with the Unity Church, occasionally stepping up to deliver sermons.
The Murders
The dark turn in Rodriguez's life began in June 1984, when 22-year-old Valerie Hunt vanished from a bustling shopping center in Tallahassee. Her disappearance remained a mystery until three months later when her skeletal remains were discovered in a sinkhole in Wakulla County, Florida.
Eight years later, on March 27, 1992, the serene sands of Alligator Point beach in Florida became the site of another tragedy. Two 16-year-old girls from Thomasville, Georgia, Megan Carr and Cherish DeSantis, were found dead. They had been enjoying a day at the beach, still clad in their swimsuits, when they were shot twice in the head. An eerie calm surrounded their bodies; there were no signs of struggle, and their belongings remained undisturbed.
Investigation and Rodriguez's Suicide
The gruesome discovery at Alligator Point prompted the formation of the Alligator Point Homicide Task Force, which pursued over 100 potential leads. During this investigative frenzy, Rodriguez faced personal loss with the death of his mother. He subsequently vanished from his apartment on May 5, 1992, shortly after police questioned him about his car, which bore a stolen Utah license plate.
In a final act of desperation, Rodriguez penned two letters. One was addressed to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the other to the Arizona Daily Sun. He then embarked on a grim journey to an I-40 stop in New Mexico, where he ended his life by ingesting cyanide on May 15, 1992.
Authorities, following up on the stolen license plate, uncovered Rodriguez's lifeless body in his car. Alongside him was a glass vial containing a white powder and a note warning those who might find him. The car matched the description of a vehicle seen on the day of the girls' murder. In his confession letter, directed to FDLE agent Delbert McGarvey, Rodriguez revealed his twisted motives. He admitted to murdering the three victims, explaining that his failure to rape them drove him to kill, fearing capture.
Legacy in Media
The chilling tale of Robert Neal Rodriguez and his victims has been immortalized in popular media. The Investigation Discovery program "Swamp Murders" dedicated an episode to unraveling the sinister events surrounding the murders of Megan Carr and Cherish DeSantis.
See Also
- List of serial killers in the United States
Sources
- "Suspect in teen slayings dies in New Mexico." United Press International. May 17, 1992.
- "Paper Gets Confession Letter From Dead Ex-BYU Student." Deseret News. May 19, 1992. Archived from the original on June 20, 2016.
- "Ex-Officer Commits Suicide After Confessing to 3 Murders." The New York Times. May 21, 1992.
- James Wray. "Swamp Murders spotlights murder of sunbathing teens Megan Carr and Cherish DeSantis on Florida beach." Monsters & Critics. October 7, 2017. Archived August 5, 2021.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Victim Disappears
Valerie Hunt, a 22-year-old student, disappears from a shopping center in Tallahassee.
Valerie Hunt's Remains Found
The skeletonized remains of Valerie Hunt are discovered at a sinkhole in Wakulla County.
Murder of Two Teen Girls
Megan Carr and Cherish DeSantis are found shot dead at Alligator Point beach.
Rodriguez Disappears
Robert Neal Rodriguez disappears from his apartment after being interviewed by police.
Rodriguez Commits Suicide
Robert Neal Rodriguez takes his own life using cyanide in New Mexico.
Confession Found
Authorities discover Rodriguez's body and a confession letter in his car.